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When buying aubergines make sure they have a smooth surface
and are light - the heavier ones contain too many seeds. Apparently salting aubergines, which isn't really necessary anymore, makes them absorb less oil when cooked. This recipe is taken from my latest easy peasy cookbook Classic Indian Recipes

Make to cross slits on the base of each of the aubergines and place in a bowl. Sprinkle 1/2 tsp of salt over them and set aside. Place the tamarind pulp in a small bowl and add about 60ml of hot water. Leave to stand for 10 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to press the pulp and release the seeds if any, and fibres, then strain into a nylon sieve into a bowl, pressing with the back of a spoon to extract much juice as possible. Discard the pulp.
Heat a large saucepan or a deep wok and add a few mustard seeds to the oil. The seeds will splutter when the oil is hot enough. Add the remaining mustard seeds followed by the curry leaves and mix.

Tip in the onion and fry for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent. Add the cumin, coriander, chilli powder, turmeric and the remaining salt and mix. Then add then garlic and ginger with the aubergines. Pour in 200ml of just boiled water with the tamarind juice, stir, cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Fold in the coconut cream and cook for a further two minutes and garnish with coriander leaves.